It’s one thing to produce an everyday laundry detergent ad. It’s another to create a quirky Super Bowl spot like Tide’s ad featuring Golden Globe winner Jeffrey Tambor paired with Rob Gronkowski, the New England Patriots’ tight end. In it, the two face off over a dry-cleaning snafu that you have to see to believe. (Hint: It features Gronk’s considerably expansive biceps.)

As game day approaches, we got the chance to sit down and talk to Transparent’s Tambor—already in Houston for the Big Game—about what it was like to shoot these spots.

This campaign is hilarious—what drew you to it?

The people at Tide have been really good to me. I’m a big fan of Gronk. My mother used Tide so here we are and apparently people all around the world are commenting on the ad.

Have you ever had a dry cleaning mix-up?

Hasn’t everyone had a dry cleaning snafu? I can’t recall off-hand, but I believe in dry cleaning.

What was it like to work with Gronk?

He was very funny. He’s very off-beat, very tall and very young. He has a great sense of humor. I don’t think he knew who I was or am. He’s charming and wonderful and I could tell he really enjoyed himself.

Are you planning to watch the game?

What game? Yes, I’m going to the game with my wife who is flying down. I haven’t ever been to a Super Bowl game before and I think people are going to be very excited—there will probably be more people outside the arena than inside. It’s a real honor going there.

Are you excited to see Tony Bennett introduce Lady Gaga beforeshe performs at half time?

That’s happening? Wow. Yes. You know I went to the theater once—it was a George C. Scott play—and Tony Bennett was sitting right in front of us sketching while waiting for the curtain to go up. That’s probably what keeps him young.

Do you have any favorite Super Bowl snacks that are must-haves?

I’m always watching my weight. I once got a review that called me the fleshy Jeffrey Tambor. I won’t say who wrote that one.

Once the game’s over, what’s next?

The fourth season of Transparent and that’s it. Oh and driving my kids to music class. I’ve got one in her late 30s and then I have a 12-year-old, 10-year and two 8-year-olds.